Page 17 - CEO Orientation

Joseph. Caring for, and being a voice for, the most marginalized or disadvantaged in our society is
embedded in our day-to-day practices and a common purpose that unites the three organizations as we
look ahead to integration.

The new network will re-invest savings to protect and sustain programs and initiatives that help target
and support our communities to manage the root causes of health inequity. Further, the integration will
allow for greater sharing of health equity information and resources across our sites, helping us to
design services that recognize diversity and enhance inclusiveness for all of those we serve, especially
benefiting the marginalized or disadvantaged populations of our respective communities.

Examples of programs that we have designed with a focus to address social determinants of health in
the very diverse populations we serve include:

 The Transition to Community Fund at Providence supports those who are disadvantaged with
the services and/or tools needed to safely return home or to the community following their
hospital stay. Since it was established in 2010, the fund has helped close to 350 people
transition home by paying for items such as: assistance from personal support workers; fees and
subscriptions to services such as medical alert systems; equipment such as wheelchairs and
assistive devices; home supports such as ramps, safety bars, beds and other furniture; and
services for the home such as extreme cleanings. Without this support, many of these patients
would remain in hospital in Alternative Level of Care.

 In partnership with the Toronto District School Board, St. Joseph’s operates a paediatric clinic at
Parkdale Public School to help give children in our community a healthy start. With specialties in
family medicine, paediatrics and neurology, the team provides much needed support to families
to identify and address health challenges that are having an impact on their child’s academic
performance. The clinic has seen more than 400 visits in its first year from students and their
siblings who live in the diverse community of Parkdale. Recognizing that language can be a
barrier to receiving care and that 60 per cent of students at Parkdale Public School speak a
language other than English at home, the clinic uses the Health Centre’s interpreter services
during appointments to facilitate understanding and ensure all health issues are addressed.

 Recognizing that income plays a large role in a person’s health, St. Michael’s employs a full-time
health promoter whose specific focus is to help improve the income security of patients living in
poverty. Patients are referred to the health promoter by their doctor, and she helps them
navigate the government’s social services system, including programs such as Ontario Works
and the Ontario Disability Support Program. She also helps patients reduce expenses, complete
their taxes, set up bank accounts, access free programs, budget and save for emergencies. The
IGNITE (addressInG iNcome securITy in primary carE) randomized controlled trial will evaluate
this position, the results of which can help inform policy makers about future interventions to
address poverty as a health issue.

Our Shared Purpose: Advancing the Health of Our Patients and Our Urban Communities Page | 9